Help the Economy by Helping Disadvantaged Gifted Students

Kudos to the new president of the American Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten, who is making support for high-ability students from disadvantaged backgrounds a top priority for the union. In her speech last month at the National Press Club, Ms. Weingarten said that “we also must help the high-achieving students from low-income households who, with extra support, will become our nation’s leaders. ... We must not allow a declining economy to foreclose on the dreams of strivers from struggling families.”

How right she is. In this recession, it is our responsibility to prepare students for a better future. Supporting our most promising learners is essential to the progress and development of America. We must offer these students opportunities for academic and personal growth and prepare them to become the next generation of innovators.

Far too often, especially at the federal level, education for gifted students is all but ignored. While all gifted students suffer from this slight, those most affected are the countless numbers of high-achieving students who, because they live in disadvantaged and underserved areas, fail to be identified and provided the services they need to flourish. Gifted education can stop the cycle of poverty by helping disadvantaged students reach their full potential and achieve their dreams and goals.

Nancy Green

Executive Director

National Association for Gifted Children

Washington, D.C.

Vol. 28, Issue 15, Pages 26-27

Notice: We recently upgraded our comments. (Learn more here.) If you are logged in as a subscriber or registered user and already have a Display Name on edweek.org, you can post comments. If you do not already have a Display Name, please create one here.

Ground Rules for Posting
We encourage lively debate, but please be respectful of others. Profanity and personal attacks are prohibited. By commenting, you are agreeing to abide by our user agreement.
All comments are public.